“I think I may have rendered that plan of hers the other day and gave her a detour.” Why I felt so nervous suddenly was a new feeling.
“Oh, you mean you told her that you and I were dating?” I was surprised to find Chloe smiling at me. “Just so you know, she didn’t buy it at all. I think the words were, a man like him couldn’t be interested in a girl like me. So I wouldn’t be too sure that you’re in the clear.”
“You should know that I am.” I slowly moved my hips with her as we swayed to a beat that was much faster than our movements. “Interested, that is, in you.” This woman had no idea how alluringly beautiful she was. “You and I got off on the wrong foot, but going in now, I need you to understand that never once have I not been attracted to you. There was some confusion, but I plan on clearing that all up.”
We were interrupted by a loud squeal of happiness, and both Chloe and I looked toward the bar to find AJ hugging Maddison and Rhett shaking Mike’s hand. “Looks like the two of them finally decided to share the news.”
“What, that’s she pregnant?” Chloe asked so casually that it made me laugh.
“You knew?”
“It doesn’t take a genius to figure it out. For weeks he’s been treating her like she’s made of glass. Well, more than usual, anyway. Then there is the fact that he continues to rest his hand on her stomach, so often that I’m not sure he even realizes he’s doing it. Oh, and she hasn’t had a drop of alcohol in weeks, and Maddison is a wine junky.”
Chloe shrugged, and I placed my arm over her shoulder. “Let’s go offer our congrats to the happy couple.”
I led her off the dance floor, knowing that this was just a start for us. I meant what I told Ripp that night after I followed him to his car. It may not be my job yet to protect her from arrogant pricks or any harm, but it’s a title I will hold soon.
Chapter Eleven
Chloe
“I thought you said babies loved you?” I stood back, covering my smile with my hand, and I observed the man before me. Landon Layne, big burly rough manly man, and he looked like he just might cry. That would make two males trapped in this loft that were hysterical.
Blake was extended out away from Landon’s body, his little legs kicking and his head thrown back while wailing as loud as he possibly could.
And again Landon looked lost, frightened even.
“Children, Chloe, they love me.”
“I hate to break it to you, but this,” I motioned to the pissed off baby, “is a child.”
“This is the devil’s spawn,” he mumbled, and I was sure I wasn’t meant to hear it, but I did, clearly.
“Blake is generally a very sweet baby.” I moved in and snatched him up. “Maybe he isn’t the spawn.” I dared him to argue as I took Blake in close to my chest and nuzzled him. “Don’t worry, I’ll save you from the mean, mean man.”
“I’m not mean,” Landon attempted to argue as he followed behind me on my way to the kitchen. Blake quieted while I shushed him softly and rocked him in my arms as we walked along. Landon still trailed behind, insisting that he was good with kids.
I paused at the sink, using one arm to hold Blake and the other to rinse the pacifier I had picked up from the floor. I felt the closeness of Landon’s body against my back and closed my eyes to calm my reaction to him.
“I think it’s safe to say this one belongs to Rhett. He probably gave him a pep talk on how to torture me before he left.” Landon reached around me on both sides, bracing his weight on the countertop. “His daddy most likely hung a picture over his crib and lectured him on easy ways to terrorize me and make me look bad in front of the lady.”
Honestly, I couldn’t concentrate much on his words because I was too engulfed in his scent and his embrace. Part of me wanted to turn around and press in deeper to gain all I could get, but this wasn’t the time or the place.
He seemed completely oblivious to the way he was affecting me, anyway. “It could be that this little man is smarter than I’m giving him credit for and he’s playing this all out to be closer to the pretty girl.” Okay, so maybe he did know. His hot breath spanned out over my cheek and onto my neck. “If I throw a fit, will you cuddle me, too?” Without a second to stop myself, I turned my head and looked up at him. My eyes widened in surprise, I was sure. Landon smiled knowingly, and it all happened so quickly. He moved in, his lips only inches from mine, just as the door flew open.
“Where’s my boy?” Rhett’s voice boomed throughout the space. Blake heard him and immediately begin wiggling in my arms, his little arms trailing wildly as one little fist filled the small space that was left between Landon and me.
He moved back and I shifted to the side, just as AJ stepped in through the doorway that led to the kitchen. I ignored the way her gaze shifted between Landon and me. “Y’all just missed one hell of a fit.” The shaking nervousness in my voice could not be hidden. “I think it’s safe to say he doesn’t care much for firemen.” I nodded in the direction of Landon, who was now scowling.
“I think you were secretly pinching him when
